Daily modern life can be busy and hectic, making balance seem distant. It can be hard to reach fitness goals, let alone to find holistic wellness. Two transformative practices stand out among the trendy workout fads of today. Pilates and yoga both offer benefits for the mind, body, and spirit.
Continue reading to learn more about the key differences between each practice as we highlight their benefits.
The Differences Between Yoga and Pilates
Pilates and yoga are similar because both are accessible, low impact exercises that also benefit the mind and spirit. However, pitting Pilates vs yoga isn’t entirely fair, because the two disciplines are distinct in many ways. Pilates is not a form of yoga, nor is yoga a type of Pilates.
Is Pilates or Yoga Better?
Benefits for the Body
Pilates focuses on intentionally sculpting the body. These movements nurture balance, flexibility, and a strong core. Since being a rehabilitative practice for World War I veterans, Pilates is successful at rebuilding strength. This practice is also good for endurance, lung capacity, and overall stability.
Pilates expert and owner of ProPilates studio in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Tonka Cascais, shares her experience and observations:
“By restoring the body’s innate strength, flexibility and wisdom with the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning we can improve not only physically but mentally, emotionally and cognitively which provides a huge advantage for everyone at any age, physical condition or health level.”
Yoga, in contrast, centers the art of movement. Whether finding a flow or building strength in stillness, yoga is a grounding practice. Yoga cultivates flexibility as well as inner and outer alignment.
Benefits for the Mind
Pilates is a fantastic choice for concentration, focus, and stress reduction. In a Pilates studio or private practice, you must tune into your body with all your focus. You’ll perform each movement intentionally and mindfully, sharpening the mind-body connection.
Yoga centers emotional wellbeing alongside meditation and mindfulness. This ancient, sacred practice reminds practitioners to be present and to breathe. You’ll find clarity, grace, and peace on your yoga mat.
Benefits for the Spirit
Pilates benefits its students’ spirits with connection and empowerment. You’ll build confidence and learn how to listen to both your body and mind. Mastering movements will build a sense of accomplishment as you nurture your spirit by giving it what it needs.
“Pilates is powerful when done correctly, with proper form, technique, breath, flow and speed. It moves you from the inside out, it wakens the deep connection between the body, the mind and spirit as well as the rest of the world..”– Tonka shared. “ You become one with the universe…”
Yoga also honors connection and empowerment, but in a unique way. The flow of your breath will connect your emotional and physical selves, drawing them into alignment. Yoga invites you to connect with your inner self or with others on their yoga journeys.
Choosing Pilates or Yoga
What will it be, dear reader: yoga, Pilates, or a combination of both practices? Here are our key takeaways:
- The focus on core strength, stability, and rehabilitation makes Pilates more attractive than yoga for building strength.
- Although stretching is a hallmark of yoga, Pilates is our flexibility choice because it focuses on innate primary movements which is the pathway to healthy living and optimal wellbeing.
- Pilates and yoga both offer distinct mental and spiritual benefits. Only you know what your mind and soul need.
Book a Free Class today or learn more about our Pilates-based therapy here.
